'Capture car' traps first thief

Image of the 14-year-old being caught via the capture car

The first thief to be trapped by an unmarked Gwent police car fitted with hidden cameras, has appeared in court.

The 14-year-old admitted stealing a sat nav system from the force's parked car, kitted out with recording devices to catch thieves in the act.

He was trapped just two days after a "capture" car scheme was launched.

The youth, from Rhymney in Caerphilly county, admitted theft at Cwmbran Youth Court, as well as breaking an anti-social behaviour order.

Rhian Jones, prosecuting, told the court that the hidden camera placed inside the car revealed the identity of the boy to police.

"He can clearly been seen throwing a brick through the window and taking the sat nav," she said.

He is difficult sometimes. He doesn't listen, he just does his own thing. He won't listen to me Teenager's mother

She said he had also admitted a garage burglary where a £350 quad bike was stolen and breaching an Asbo.

Chair of the bench Richard Morris asked the teenager's mother about his behaviour.

She told the court: "He is difficult sometimes. He doesn't listen, he just does his own thing. He won't listen to me."

Barrie Gough, defending, said the boy was "not nasty" but was in "desperate need of activities" to do.

The magistrates agreed to adjourn sentencing of the youth, who was 13 at the time of the offences, until reports were compiled. He was given conditional bail and will be sentenced later this month.

"We feel you are a little bit out of control," chair of the bench Richard Morris told the boy.

"You are not listening and we want you to know you are going to have to listen.

"You can't go around affecting people's lives in this way. It's time for a change," he said.

Valuables on display

Gwent Police revealed last month it has started using covert "capture" cars to trap thieves and act as a deterrent.

Det Insp Richard Williams said they were pleased the operation had brought results but urged the public not to leave items on display.

"The footage from this particular case shows that it only took a matter of seconds to break in to the car and steal the satellite navigation system, " he said.

"So even if you are parking outside a shop or outside your home, even if it is for a matter of minutes, don't leave anything on display."

The capture cars, parked at different locations, have satellite technology to notify officers when they are being tampered with.

Officers will also notify owners if cars are spotted with valuables on display.

The method has cut car crime in force areas in England, the Gwent force has said.